Influenza antivirals and animal models

Abstract

Influenza A and B viruses are among the most prominent human respiratory pathogens. About 3-5 million severe cases of influenza are associated with 300 000-650 000 deaths per year globally. Antivirals effective at reducing morbidity and mortality are part of the first line of defense against influenza. FDA-approved antiviral drugs currently include adamantanes (rimantadine and amantadine), neuraminidase inhibitors (NAI; peramivir, zanamivir, and oseltamivir), and the PA endonuclease inhibitor (baloxavir). Mutations associated with antiviral resistance are common and highlight the need for further improvement and development of novel anti-influenza drugs. A summary is provided for the current knowledge of the approved influenza antivirals and antivirals strategies under evaluation in clinical trials. Preclinical evaluations of novel compounds effective against influenza in different animal models are also discussed.

Keywords: animal models; antiviral-host factors; antivirals; influenza; mice; neuraminidase inhibitors.

Fig. 1

Influenza replication steps inhibited by influenza antivirals. Schematic representation of the influenza replicative cycle showing the steps inhibited by FDA‐approved influenza antivirals (light blue), antiviral under evaluation in clinical trials (light red), and antivirals under preclinical evaluation (cyan). Figure created with BioRender.com.

Fig. 2

Animal models used for the evaluation of influenza antivirals. Summary of the different animal models used for influenza antivirals. Figure created with BioRender.com.